Appeals Court in Skopje rejects Stojance Jovanovski’s appeal, 12-year prison sentence remains in force

The Court of Appeals in Skopje has rejected Stojance Jovanovski’s appeal and upheld the 12-year prison sentence imposed on him by the Criminal Court.

He had been found guilty at first instance of inciting his wife, Ivana, to jump from a balcony while holding their daughter in her arms, as well as of committing prolonged domestic violence.

In its statement, the Court of Appeals in Skopje informed the public and the media that, in criminal case KZ-549/26, following the public hearing held on 18.06.2026, a ruling was issued rejecting as unfounded the appeal of the defendant, Stojance Jovanovski from Skopje, while confirming the judgment of the Basic Criminal Court of Skopje K.br.551/26 dated 07.05.2026.

The court also announced that the full decision will be made public soon.

In May, Jovanovski was sentenced to 12 years in prison for domestic violence, endangering security, and incitement to suicide.

The tragic incident occurred on March 2 of this year, when Ivana lost her life after jumping from a balcony together with their six-year-old daughter, Katja.

During the court proceedings, it was established that Jovanovski had continuously abused her. The last incident of violence had occurred before the suicide, at a moment when Ivana had reported him to the police, but by the time officers arrived at the scene, she had changed her mind.

The violence that Ivana and her daughter endured for years had been reported to the police, while professional violations were found involving 39 police officers over the handling of the case.